I’m a dating expert – the acceptable pick-up lines and the ones that will send your love interest running

THE secret of powerful seduction is being a witty rib-tickler, it seems.

Most singletons rate a good sense of humour as one of the most desirable traits in a potential partner, reports a study in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin

Wisecracking is prized in itself but also because it is seen as a sign of creative problem-solving ability.

Rebecca Dakin, a dating and sex coach, advises: “There’s a great deal of truth behind the saying you can laugh someone into bed.

“One of the key ingredients of seduction is laughing together.

“But when cracking romantic jokes to a potential partner, it’s crucial that what you say is cute and not sleazy.

“It becomes an ice-breaker. The delivery of your banter is crucial, too — to ensure you don’t come across as creepy.”

Here, we look at a range of chat-up lines that could raise a smile and your chance of romance — or ruin it.

Dating do’s

• HOW much does a polar bear weigh? Enough to break the ice.
• I think I saw you on Spotify. You were listed as the hottest single.
• Did you fall from heaven? Because you may be entitled to financial compensation.
• I’m not usually this tall, but I’m just sitting on my wallet.
• Are you a loan? Because you’ve got my interest.
• What’s your Instagram handle? Because my parents always taught me to follow my dream.
• We may not be socks, but I know we’d make a great pair.
• I’d show you my world, but I’m sure you already own a mirror.

Dating don’ts

• I’M a computer specialist. If you let me probe your ports, I’ll let you defrag my hard drive.
• How do you like your eggs for breakfast? I like mine fertilised.
• Do you like magic? Because after we have sex, I will disappear.
• I lost my teddy bear. Will you sleep with me instead?
• Is that a mirror in your pocket? Because I can see myself in your pants.
• You look like trash. Let me take you out.
• Your body is made up of 70 per cent water — and I’m thirsty.
• Hey there, you’ve got something on your chest — my eyes.